Skip to content Skip to Search
Skip navigation

Saudi Arabia plans stadium for holographic concerts

By Shane McGinley
The Abba Voyage holographic concert has proved the viability of the concept and Saudi Arabia will be hoping its new stadium can deliver similar success Bang Showbiz
The Abba Voyage holographic concert has proved the viability of the concept and Saudi Arabia will be hoping its new stadium can deliver similar success
  • Venue planned for Qiddiya
  • Seating for 45,000
  • Project to cost SAR2.3bn

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build a new stadium featuring holographic technology that will be able to stage virtual interactions with celebrities and artists.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built in Qiddiya City, located 40 minutes from Riyadh and part of the kingdom’s new entertainment city, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said the venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept.

As well as holographic capabilities, the stadium will have a retractable roof, a pitch and LED wall, will be able to accommodate up to 45,000 seats and will serve as the home ground of Saudi Pro League football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. It will be designed by architectural firm Populous.

The kingdom is set to host major events such as the World Expo in 2030 and most likely the World Cup in 2034.

One of Saudi Arabia’s key giga-projects, and described as the “capital of entertainment”, Qiddiya in September announced that a SAR2.3 billion ($610 million) contract had been awarded to carry out infrastructure work on the development.

First announced in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, the Qiddiya project covers 367 sq km and will include 300 leisure and entertainment facilities, a theme park, waterpark, golf courses, cinemas and a performing arts theatre.

The development of Qiddiya is being driven by the Qiddiya Investment Company, which is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund. 

Presently in its design and construction phase, when complete it is hoped the destination will attract 17 million visitors a year, provide 25,000 jobs and contribute up to $4.5 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030. 

Latest articles

Property app Stake says it is close to acquiring a fully-rented mall and a 140-apartment tower in Riyadh

Property app Stake to launch in Saudi Arabia

A fractional-ownership platform that enables investors to own parcels of real estate for as little as SAR500 ($134) is to launch in Saudi Arabia on December 9.  Based in Dubai, Stake offers investors the opportunity to buy parts of residential and commercial properties.  Fractional property ownership is a rising trend in the global real estate market. […]

Saudi date drink cola Milaf

‘World first’ date soft drink launched by PIF subsidiary

A soft drink made from dates has been launched by Al Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Milaf Cola, which is claimed to be the world’s first commercial soft drink made from dates, uses only premium fruit and contains no added sugar.  Dates have historically been used in Middle Eastern beverages […]

Uber and WeRide launch autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi

Uber launches driverless operations in Abu Dhabi

Ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies and Chinese autonomous vehicle tech company WeRide have launched a commercial driverless taxi service in Abu Dhabi. The service, available on the Uber platform, will be available for trips on Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand the operating territory in the […]

Houses in Royal Crescent, Holland Park. The area is one of London's most expensive neighbourhoods

Abu Dhabi royal family buys £61.5m London mansion

Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan royal family has purchased a mansion in Holland Park, one of London’s exclusive neighbourhoods.  The family paid £61.5 million ($78.1 million) for the property, which includes a swimming pool and cinema room, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal was completed in October before the UK government introduced […]